Mammoth Lakes Film Festival Announces 12th Annual Winners

The 12th annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival concluded its 2026 event with the announcement of several award winners, including the films Mono 222, Dreaming of Lions, and I Got Bombed at Harvey’s, according to reporting from Variety.

Held from May 20 to May 24, 2026, the festival took place in Mammoth Lakes, California, a mountain resort located in the Eastern Sierra. The event serves as a platform for independent features and shorts, focusing on the discovery and support of emerging filmmakers.

In addition to the film awards, the festival recognized industry contributions with the Sierra Spirit Award. Actor Marlee Matlin was the recipient of the honor during the 12th annual iteration of the festival, as confirmed by the event’s official Instagram account.

The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival is positioned as a destination for innovative voices in cinema. The festival has previously screened titles such as Damsel, starring Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska, and the Netflix production Abducted in Plain Sight.

Industry recognition for the festival includes being named one of the Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee by MovieMaker Magazine for nine consecutive years. The publication also listed the event as one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World in 2022, 2024, and 2025.

The festival’s programming emphasizes mentorship and professional collaboration, providing a space where industry professionals can support new artists. This commitment to discovery is intended to highlight voices that may eventually shape the future of the film industry.

The 2026 event was supported by title sponsors, including Roger and Ruth MacFarlane.